Coastal Cotton Tee

Coastal Cotton Tee by MADuNaier

What is Being Made

The Coastal Cotton Tee is a crocheted pullover garment designed as a lightweight, wearable top. This project creates a fitted yet comfortable tee available in multiple sizes ranging from 36" to 48" finished bust measurements. The design offers customizable ease, allowing makers to adjust the fit from 0 to 4 inches of positive ease depending on personal preference.

Crochet Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly crochet project employs fundamental techniques suitable for crafters new to garment construction. The primary method involves working in the round and in rows to build the garment sections. The construction approach includes strategic shaping using decrease stitches to create a fitted silhouette. Stitch markers are essential tools used throughout the project to track pattern repeats and construction points, with the pattern calling for 4 removable stitch markers.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Coastal Cotton Tee utilizes core crochet stitches that form the foundation of the garment:

• Chain (ch) – the foundation stitch used to begin sections and create turning chains
• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch forming the body fabric, worked at a gauge of 16 stitches and 9 rows per 4 inches
• Single crochet (sc) – used for finishing edges and creating a neater perimeter
• Double crochet 2 together (dc2tog) – a decrease stitch that reduces stitch count for shaping the garment

Additional abbreviations include PM (place marker), RM (remove marker), rep (repeat), sk (skip), st (stitch), RS (right side), and WS (wrong side), which guide makers through pattern instructions.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Coastal Cotton Tee is designed for worsted weight yarn, though the pattern accommodates aran weight as well. The model shown was constructed using Loops & Threads Coastal Cotton Yarn, a cotton-based yarn choice ideal for warm-weather garments.

Yardage Requirements by Size:

• 36" bust: 800 yards (732 meters) – 4 skeins
• 40" bust: 950 yards (870 meters)
• 44" bust: 1100 yards (1000 meters)
• 48" bust: 1250 yards (1150 meters)

Hook Sizes and Gauge

The pattern recommends using a size I9 (5.5mm) hook for the main body and a size H8 (5mm) hook for edging work. The pattern notes that crocheters should select appropriate hook sizes for the yoke, sleeves, and body sections based on their individual yarn and tension, with smaller hooks used for finishing edges to create a polished appearance.

The gauge for the model shown is 16 double crochet stitches and 9 rows = 4 inches when working with worsted weight yarn. The pattern explicitly states that exact gauge matching is not required, allowing flexibility for individual tension variations.

Project Summary

The Coastal Cotton Tee is an accessible crochet project perfect for beginners seeking to expand into garment construction. By combining basic stitches with simple shaping techniques, this top creates a wearable, versatile piece suitable for warm weather. The use of cotton yarn provides breathability and comfort, while the straightforward construction method makes it an ideal introduction to fitted garment design in crochet.